YOUNG Flintshire people should protect themselves against the summer sun.

Cancer Research UK alerted Assembly Members to the risks of sunburn at an event in Cardiff.

Delyn AM Sandy Mewies attended a ‘Molewatch Clinic’.

Sunburn doubles the risk of the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Mrs Mewies said: "I was shocked to learn malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now the most common cancer in people aged between 15 and 34.

"It’s so important for young adults and parents to take steps to protect their own skin and that of their children by covering up, spending some time in the shade and using sunscreen.

"It’s important to enjoy the sun safely and avoid burning. Even minor sunburn causes permanent damage beneath the skin. But if anyone has concerns about a particular mole, freckly or patch of skin that has changed over a period of weeks or months they should speak to their doctor without delay."

Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign tips: know your skin type; use the UV index to find out when you need to protect yourself; spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm; make sure you never burn, cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses, use factor 15+ sunscreen. Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.

For information on skin cancer and the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign visit: www.sunsmart.org.uk